The Impact of a Backpack

• 1 in 4 students report having back pain for 15 days or more during the school year
• 60% of students 12-17 carry backpacks that weight 10% or more of their body weight.
• In 2012 there were 5,415 backpack related injuries treated at emergency rooms in the U.S.
• 20% of students 12-17 carry bags that weigh 15% or more of their body weight.
• Always use both straps!!!

Long term effects of a heavy backpack:

• Strained neck and shoulders leading to headaches.
• Damage to the spine.
• Reduced breathing capacity due to poor posture.
• Scoliosis.
• Back pain and muscle spasms.

Try using digital text books on a tablet to reduce the weight of the backpack.

1011 S. W. Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65109 Telephone: 573.635.6767 | FAX: 573.636.3007

• 1 in 4 students report having back pain for 15 days or more during the school year
• 60% of students 12-17 carry backpacks that weight 10% or more of their body weight.
• In 2012 there were 5,415 backpack related injuries treated at emergency rooms in the U.S.
• 20% of students 12-17 carry bags that weigh 15% or more of their body weight.
• Always use both straps!!!

Long term effects of a heavy backpack:

• Strained neck and shoulders leading to headaches.
• Damage to the spine.
• Reduced breathing capacity due to poor posture.
• Scoliosis.
• Back pain and muscle spasms.

Try using digital text books on a tablet to reduce the weight of the backpack.

1011 S. W. Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65109 Telephone: 573.635.6767 | FAX: 573.636.3007